Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas dies at 73

CleBrownsfan · 04-13-2009, 02:12 PM

I lived in Philly for about 5 years... his voice will be missed

RIP Kalas

hxxp://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4064793

WASHINGTON -- Longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas has died at the age of 73, team president David Montgomery said Monday.

Kalas, who had also filled a voiceover role for NFL Films since 1975, was taken to a hospital Monday after passing out in the broadcast booth before Monday's game against the Washington Nationals.

Montogomery's voice was cracking as he said "we have lost our voice."

The 73-year-old Kalas, known for his distinctive "Outta here!" call on home runs, was found by the Phillies director of broadcasting at about 12:30 p.m., Montgomery said.

Kalas joined the Phillies in 1971. Before that, he was an original member of the Houston Astros' broadcast team from 1965-70.

In 2002, he received the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award for his contributions to the game.

Capital · 04-13-2009, 02:26 PM

This is extremely sad. I lived in Hershey PA for 12 years and listened to Kalas to quite a while. I loved his HR calls and his calling of "Michael Jack Schmidt" was classic. His work with the Phillies and NFL flims will be missed.

Dr. Sak · 04-13-2009, 02:26 PM

This really bums me out. I loved listening to Harry...when my family and I would vacation in OC Md (before satelite radio), I was able to pick up the Atlantic City feed of the Phillies games. Pretty much the highlight of my trip. Thanks for the memories Harry!

I'm glad he finally got to call the final out of a WS game. In 1980 he wasn't able to because there was no local TV or radio at the time.

"It's outta here!"

Klinglerware · 04-13-2009, 02:29 PM

One of my favorite announcers. I moved away a few years ago, so I did not know that he was still active. RIP - but good for him to be broadcasting til the very end...

Eaglesfan27 · 04-13-2009, 02:31 PM

Very sad. I remember listening to so many of his calls with my grandparents when I was growing up.

Peregrine · 04-13-2009, 02:32 PM

Wow, this is too bad. I definitely need to listen to Chuck Brodsky's song Whitey and Harry again - off his fantastic Baseball Ballads album. It's a really neat tribute to Richie Ashburn after he died, and mentions Harry of course. Here's a clip from the song.

http://tinyurl.com/c2zc5k

samifan24 · 04-13-2009, 02:51 PM

He will be missed. As a kid growing up outside Philadelphia, I listened to Kalas call Phillies games frequently. I'll always remember his calls for Lenny Dykstra and Darren "Dutch" Dalton.

cuervo72 · 04-13-2009, 03:03 PM

EagleFan · 04-13-2009, 03:06 PM

Watching or listening to baseball will never quite be the same. Will defnitely miss hearing the call "It's Outta here".

MrIllini · 04-13-2009, 03:08 PM

Anyone know of a link to audio or video of the Schmidt 500th call?

Dr. Sak · 04-13-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrIllini

Anyone know of a link to audio or video of the Schmidt 500th call?

I have it on my cell phone as a ringer. I'll look for the .mp3 file tonight.

RedKingGold · 04-13-2009, 03:11 PM

Agreed with Sak. At least he called the Phils World Series win.

Lathum · 04-13-2009, 03:25 PM

I know I've had words with many Phillies fans here, but this really makes me sad. I used to live in Quakertown and enjoyed listening to him do the games. He was really one of the best out there.

My condolances to all the fans of the organization. It's a shame watching games will be a little less fun for you guys.

Dr. Sak · 04-13-2009, 03:32 PM

I feel like part of my childhood has died.

lighthousekeeper · 04-13-2009, 03:37 PM

SackAttack · 04-13-2009, 03:42 PM

Dang. I was on the road heading back into Green Bay this morning, they talked about the collapse and in a news break reported that it was 'very serious.'

Was under the impression he was still with us, though.

Neuqua · 04-13-2009, 03:52 PM

Just read that Kalas is from the same hometown as I am, did not know that.

Swaggs · 04-13-2009, 04:11 PM

JonInMiddleGA · 04-13-2009, 04:41 PM

Having gone through the loss of Skip Caray in the Braves off-season and the retirement of Pete Van Wieren at the same time, I can very much sympathize with what fans in Philadelphia are going through. As an old low end of the scale broadcaster I understand the loss of the legend from that respect as well.

Rest in Peace Harry, you'll be missed.

Comey · 04-13-2009, 04:49 PM

He was such a constant for me...I fell asleep to him nearly every night as a kid and even a teenager. When I moved away from Harrisburg, first to CA and then to Hartford, arguably my biggest regret that I no longer got him on the radio (I have found Merrill Reese and Mike Quick, but never found Phillies broadcasts).

A part of my life is gone with him. Don't want to come off as overdramatic, but many of the greatest sports thrills of my life were led by his voice. Phillies fans will know that they were so far and few between, but that made the successes that much sweeter.

I cried tears of joy when listening to his call of the '07 NL East miracle team on YouTube (I had just moved up to CT at that point), and got emotional today, at the thought of what he brought to me growing up. I have one of the worst Kalas impressions out there, but I never have any trouble showing it off.

He's off somewhere now, not having to put up with Chris Wheeler, calling a game with Whitey against the Expos, where Pascual Perez is pitching for Montreal...maybe Dennis Martinez. At least, that's how I envision it now.

tucker rocky · 04-13-2009, 07:47 PM

Being a Phillie fan from Jacksonville, I am shocked to hear about Harry Kalas passing away.

It was only yesterday that I heard him calling Matt Stairs winning HR,
"Long drive, ...it's outta here!"

Heaven needed another professional announcer to call baseball games.

MrDNA · 04-13-2009, 09:16 PM

One of the all-time great ones. Can't believe I was listening to him just YESTERDAY.

EagleFan · 04-13-2009, 10:06 PM

Sadly he hadn't gotten his WS ring yet as the announcers haven't received their's yet.

miami_fan · 04-14-2009, 07:38 AM

Very sad news. It was pretty cool to see him and his son Todd(broadcaster for the Rays) in a few interviews during the World Series last year. Definitely a legend in Philly sports. I caught a glimpse of a TV and I saw David Montogomery's quote and knew he could be talking about no one else but Harry.

RIP Harry

Dr. Sak · 04-14-2009, 09:34 AM

Did anyone listen to the game yesterday? I tuned in on XM and was surprised to hear the Phillies announcers. Washington had a moment a silence for Harry and faintly in the background you could hear someone yell "We love you Harry". Scott Franzky and Larry Anderson were choked up for most of the first half of the broadcast and especially after Victorino hit a HR and pointed up to the booth. It had to be tough for them to do the broadcast but it was great how they told stories about Harry the entire game.

Lathum · 04-14-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Did anyone listen to the game yesterday? I tuned in on XM and was surprised to hear the Phillies announcers. Washington had a moment a silence for Harry and faintly in the background you could hear someone yell "We love you Harry". Scott Franzky and Larry Anderson were choked up for most of the first half of the broadcast and especially after Victorino hit a HR and pointed up to the booth. It had to be tough for them to do the broadcast but it was great how they told stories about Harry the entire game.

I caught some of it on XM as well and had the same feelings you did about it.

lordscarlet · 04-14-2009, 11:32 AM

They gave a moment of silence for him at the game yesterday. I had no idea the circumstances. Either they didn't explain it well, or I just couldn't understand the announcer. Very sad.

Dr. Sak · 04-15-2009, 04:05 PM

The Zo Zone

Quote:

The Phillies have announced plans for Friday's tribute to Harry Kalas, who died Monday at 73.

Fans are urged to arrive early for Friday's game, when the Phillies play the San Diego Padres at 7:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.

It will be the first home game since the Hall of Fame broadcaster death four days earlier.

The Phillies will honor their legendary voice prior to the game with several tributes:

* The television booth in which Harry broadcast since Citizens Bank Park opened in 2004 will be named the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth, "That ball's outta here!" A plaque will be hung to officially name the booth. The neighboring radio booth is named the Richie ("Whitey") Ashburn Broadcast Booth, "This game's easy, Harry."
* The ceremonial first ball will be thrown by Harry's three sons, Todd, Brad and Kane.
* Prior to the National Anthem, to be sung by Harry's son Kane, there will be a moment of silence.
* All fans will receive an 8"x10" color photograph of Harry.
* Harry's signature will be displayed on the field during the seven-game homestand beginning on Friday.
* Also for the seven-game homestand, a black drape will appear in front of the Phillies radio and TV booths and the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be hung at half-mast.
* A video of Harry's career will be aired on PhanaVision.
* During the seventh-inning stretch, a video of Harry singing "High Hopes" will be shown on PhanaVision. Fans will be encouraged to join in.

Other acknowledgements include:

* During the first half-inning of the game televised by Comcast Network Philadelphia (formerly CN8), there will be no announcer commentary.
* Throughout the remainder of the season, a billboard honoring Harry will be displayed on the outfield wall.
* As previously announced, an HK patch will be worn on Phillies uniforms this season.
* Throughout the 2009 season, following every Phillies home run, Harry's legendary "Outta Here!" home run call will be played over the PA system as the Liberty Bell lights up.

tucker rocky · 04-18-2009, 03:04 PM

I just watched the memorial service at CBP, a very touching and emotional one. All the Phillies players, past and present, were there.
"High Hopes was sang, as was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters".

It's a long drive to heaven Harry, but you'll never be outta the Phillies fans hearts.

Dr. Sak · 04-18-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker rocky

I just watched the memorial service at CBP, a very touching and emotional one. All the Phillies players, past and present, were there.
"High Hopes was sang, as was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters".

It's a long drive to heaven Harry, but you'll never be outta the Phillies fans hearts.

Where did you watch it?

tucker rocky · 04-19-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

Where did you watch it?

Over on MLB.com, or the Phillies site.

Philliesfan980 · 04-19-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tucker rocky

I just watched the memorial service at CBP, a very touching and emotional one. All the Phillies players, past and present, were there.
"High Hopes was sang, as was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters".

It's a long drive to heaven Harry, but you'll never be outta the Phillies fans hearts.

I also watched it on Phillies.com, and then switched over to CSN once the ceremony got underway. I'd also like to chime in that it was a very touching event. I'm pretty much a typical "rock solid" guy who doesn't show his emotions well, but when they passed the casket down the line with Bridge Over Troubled Waters playing, I shed a few tears. I think seeing the casket being laid into the hertz really hit home, in that Harry wasn't coming back. He was gone.

And I will say this about the Phillies: As much flack as they've gotten in the past 15-20 years (sans 2008) about being a bad franchise, they don't care about the fans, they're cheap, etc, I think we can finally lay that perception to rest. The way that they handled this entire past week really goes to show what kind of franchise they are. Do you think the Eagles would have done all of this?

tucker rocky · 04-19-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

I'm pretty much a typical "rock solid" guy who doesn't show his emotions well, but when they passed the casket down the line with Bridge Over Troubled Waters playing, I shed a few tears. I think seeing the casket being laid into the hertz really hit home, in that Harry wasn't coming back. He was gone.

The same here.

samifan24 · 04-19-2009, 09:40 PM

I attended the memorial service yesterday morning and thought the Phillies really did a classy job honoring Kalas. One thing you may not have seen on the news was that Phillies President David Montgomery stood outside and shook hands with everyone as they entered the stadium and personally thanked them for coming.

I was impressed with all the speakers but none more than Kalas's youngest son. He gave a good, composed speech and honored his father in doing so. It was pure class all around.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 04-20-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

I think seeing the casket being laid into the hertz really hit home, in that Harry wasn't coming back.

Sorry, I got pretty confused here. I was trying to figure out what a car rental location had to do with his death. I believe I finally have a proper translation to explain it.

Philliesfan980 · 04-20-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Sorry, I got pretty confused here. I was trying to figure out what a car rental location had to do with his death. I believe I finally have a proper translation to explain it.

You'll have to forgive me, it was a weekend

Dr. Sak · 04-13-2010, 02:23 PM

It's been a year and I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses Harry's signature "It's Outta here"

k0ruptr · 04-13-2010, 05:37 PM

wow, I still miss him

thanks for bumping this Sak.

EagleFan · 04-13-2010, 06:12 PM

Hard to believe it's been a year already...

Eaglesfan27 · 04-13-2010, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

It's been a year and I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses Harry's signature "It's Outta here"

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleFan

Hard to believe it's been a year already...

+1. Listening to him always brought back good memories of enjoying games with my grandparents.

04-13-2009, 02:26 PM	#3
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	This really bums me out. I loved listening to Harry...when my family and I would vacation in OC Md (before satelite radio), I was able to pick up the Atlantic City feed of the Phillies games. Pretty much the highlight of my trip. Thanks for the memories Harry! I'm glad he finally got to call the final out of a WS game. In 1980 he wasn't able to because there was no local TV or radio at the time. "It's outta here!" Last edited by Dr. Sak : 04-14-2009 at 06:59 AM.

04-13-2009, 02:31 PM	#5
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	Very sad. I remember listening to so many of his calls with my grandparents when I was growing up. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen. Last edited by Eaglesfan27 : 04-13-2009 at 02:32 PM.

04-13-2009, 02:32 PM	#6
Peregrine Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cary, NC	Wow, this is too bad. I definitely need to listen to Chuck Brodsky's song Whitey and Harry again - off his fantastic Baseball Ballads album. It's a really neat tribute to Richie Ashburn after he died, and mentions Harry of course. Here's a clip from the song. http://tinyurl.com/c2zc5k Last edited by Peregrine : 04-13-2009 at 03:09 PM.

04-13-2009, 02:51 PM	#7
samifan24 Pro Starter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: NC	He will be missed. As a kid growing up outside Philadelphia, I listened to Kalas call Phillies games frequently. I'll always remember his calls for Lenny Dykstra and Darren "Dutch" Dalton. __________________ "You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball...and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time." -Jim Bouton

04-13-2009, 03:03 PM	#8
cuervo72 Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maryland	sigh __________________ null

04-13-2009, 02:26 PM	#2
Capital High School Varsity Join Date: Oct 2000	This is extremely sad. I lived in Hershey PA for 12 years and listened to Kalas to quite a while. I loved his HR calls and his calling of "Michael Jack Schmidt" was classic. His work with the Phillies and NFL flims will be missed.

04-13-2009, 02:29 PM	#4
Klinglerware College Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: The DMV	One of my favorite announcers. I moved away a few years ago, so I did not know that he was still active. RIP - but good for him to be broadcasting til the very end...

04-13-2009, 03:06 PM	#9
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Watching or listening to baseball will never quite be the same. Will defnitely miss hearing the call "It's Outta here".

04-13-2009, 03:08 PM	#10
MrIllini High School Varsity Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Where you live	Anyone know of a link to audio or video of the Schmidt 500th call? __________________ if i said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?

04-13-2009, 03:11 PM	#12
RedKingGold College Starter Join Date: Oct 2002	Agreed with Sak. At least he called the Phils World Series win.

04-13-2009, 03:25 PM	#13
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I know I've had words with many Phillies fans here, but this really makes me sad. I used to live in Quakertown and enjoyed listening to him do the games. He was really one of the best out there. My condolances to all the fans of the organization. It's a shame watching games will be a little less fun for you guys.

04-13-2009, 03:32 PM	#14
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	I feel like part of my childhood has died.

04-13-2009, 03:37 PM	#15
lighthousekeeper College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	__________________ ...

04-13-2009, 03:42 PM	#16
SackAttack Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Green Bay, WI	Dang. I was on the road heading back into Green Bay this morning, they talked about the collapse and in a news break reported that it was 'very serious.' Was under the impression he was still with us, though.

04-13-2009, 03:52 PM	#17
Neuqua Pro Rookie Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Chicago, Ill	Just read that Kalas is from the same hometown as I am, did not know that. __________________ Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?

04-13-2009, 04:11 PM	#18
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	__________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

04-13-2009, 04:41 PM	#19
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	Having gone through the loss of Skip Caray in the Braves off-season and the retirement of Pete Van Wieren at the same time, I can very much sympathize with what fans in Philadelphia are going through. As an old low end of the scale broadcaster I understand the loss of the legend from that respect as well. Rest in Peace Harry, you'll be missed. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

04-13-2009, 04:49 PM	#20
Comey College Starter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CT via PA via CA via PA	He was such a constant for me...I fell asleep to him nearly every night as a kid and even a teenager. When I moved away from Harrisburg, first to CA and then to Hartford, arguably my biggest regret that I no longer got him on the radio (I have found Merrill Reese and Mike Quick, but never found Phillies broadcasts). A part of my life is gone with him. Don't want to come off as overdramatic, but many of the greatest sports thrills of my life were led by his voice. Phillies fans will know that they were so far and few between, but that made the successes that much sweeter. I cried tears of joy when listening to his call of the '07 NL East miracle team on YouTube (I had just moved up to CT at that point), and got emotional today, at the thought of what he brought to me growing up. I have one of the worst Kalas impressions out there, but I never have any trouble showing it off. He's off somewhere now, not having to put up with Chris Wheeler, calling a game with Whitey against the Expos, where Pascual Perez is pitching for Montreal...maybe Dennis Martinez. At least, that's how I envision it now. __________________

04-13-2009, 07:47 PM	#21
tucker rocky Pro Rookie Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Of no particular interest	Being a Phillie fan from Jacksonville, I am shocked to hear about Harry Kalas passing away. It was only yesterday that I heard him calling Matt Stairs winning HR, "Long drive, ...it's outta here!" Heaven needed another professional announcer to call baseball games. Last edited by tucker rocky : 04-13-2009 at 07:47 PM.

04-13-2009, 09:16 PM	#22
MrDNA High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2007	One of the all-time great ones. Can't believe I was listening to him just YESTERDAY. __________________ Norfolk Flame (Shiba) Jacksonville Bulls (UFL) R.I.P. *Ayr Bravehearts (FOFL)*

04-13-2009, 10:06 PM	#23
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Sadly he hadn't gotten his WS ring yet as the announcers haven't received their's yet.

04-14-2009, 07:38 AM	#24
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	Very sad news. It was pretty cool to see him and his son Todd(broadcaster for the Rays) in a few interviews during the World Series last year. Definitely a legend in Philly sports. I caught a glimpse of a TV and I saw David Montogomery's quote and knew he could be talking about no one else but Harry. RIP Harry __________________ "The blind soldier fought for me in this war. The least I can do now is fight for him. I have eyes. He hasn’t. I have a voice on the radio, he hasn’t. I was born a white man. And until a colored man is a full citizen, like me, I haven’t the leisure to enjoy the freedom that colored man risked his life to maintain for me. I don’t own what I have until he owns an equal share of it. Until somebody beats me and blinds me, I am in his debt."- Orson Welles August 11, 1946

04-14-2009, 09:34 AM	#25
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	Did anyone listen to the game yesterday? I tuned in on XM and was surprised to hear the Phillies announcers. Washington had a moment a silence for Harry and faintly in the background you could hear someone yell "We love you Harry". Scott Franzky and Larry Anderson were choked up for most of the first half of the broadcast and especially after Victorino hit a HR and pointed up to the booth. It had to be tough for them to do the broadcast but it was great how they told stories about Harry the entire game.

04-14-2009, 11:32 AM	#27
lordscarlet Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Washington, DC	They gave a moment of silence for him at the game yesterday. I had no idea the circumstances. Either they didn't explain it well, or I just couldn't understand the announcer. Very sad. __________________ Sixteen Colors ANSI/ASCII Art Archive "...the better half of the Moores..." -cthomer5000

04-18-2009, 03:04 PM	#29
tucker rocky Pro Rookie Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Of no particular interest	I just watched the memorial service at CBP, a very touching and emotional one. All the Phillies players, past and present, were there. "High Hopes was sang, as was "Bridge Over Troubled Waters". It's a long drive to heaven Harry, but you'll never be outta the Phillies fans hearts.

04-19-2009, 09:40 PM	#34
samifan24 Pro Starter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: NC	I attended the memorial service yesterday morning and thought the Phillies really did a classy job honoring Kalas. One thing you may not have seen on the news was that Phillies President David Montgomery stood outside and shook hands with everyone as they entered the stadium and personally thanked them for coming. I was impressed with all the speakers but none more than Kalas's youngest son. He gave a good, composed speech and honored his father in doing so. It was pure class all around. __________________ "You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball...and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time." -Jim Bouton

04-13-2010, 02:23 PM	#37
Dr. Sak Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Stuck in Yinzerville, PA	It's been a year and I'm sure I'm not the only one who misses Harry's signature "It's Outta here" Last edited by Dr. Sak : 04-13-2010 at 02:25 PM.

04-13-2010, 05:37 PM	#38
k0ruptr Pro Starter Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas	wow, I still miss him thanks for bumping this Sak. __________________ Xbox Live Gamertag: k0ruptr My Favorite Teams : Chicago White Sox - Carolina Panthers - Orlando Magic - Phoenix Suns - Anaheim Ducks - Hawaii Warriors - Oregon Ducks Last edited by k0ruptr : 04-13-2010 at 05:38 PM.

04-13-2010, 06:12 PM	#39
EagleFan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Mays Landing, NJ USA	Hard to believe it's been a year already...

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